Background and Objective: Retinoblastoma is one of the most common intraocular cancers among children usually caused by the loss of retinoblastoma protein function. Despite being a highly heritable disease, conventional diagnostic and prognostic methods depend on clinical examination, with limited consideration of cancer genetics in the standard of care. CD133, KRT19, and MUC1 are commonly explored genes for their utility in liquid biopsies of cancer including lung adenocarcinoma. To date, there are few extensive molecular studies on retinoblastoma in Filipino patients. To this end, the study aimed to describe the copy number of CD133, KRT19, and MUC1 in retinoblastoma samples from a Filipino patient and quantitate the respective expression level of these genes. Methods: Hematoxylin & Eosin (H&E) staining was utilized to characterize the retinoblastoma tissue while fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) using probes specific to CD133, KRT19, and MUC1 was performed to determine the copy number of genes in retinoblastoma samples from a Filipino patient (n = 1). The gene expression of CD133, MUC1, and KRT19 was quantitated using RT-qPCR. Results: The H&E staining in the retinoblastoma tissue shows poorly differentiated cells with prominent basophilic nuclei. CD133 was approximately 1.5-fold overexpressed in the retinoblastoma tissue with respect to the normal tissue, while MUC1 and KRT19 are only slightly expressed. Multiple intense signals of each probe were localized in the same nuclear areas throughout the retinoblastoma tissue, with high background noise. Conclusion These findings suggest that CD133 is a potential biomarker for the staging and diagnosis of retinoblastoma in Filipino cancer patients. However, further optimization of the hybridization procedures is recommended.
Retinoblastoma ; Biomarkers ; In Situ Hybridization

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the value of using MDM2 amplification probe and DDIT3 dual-color, break-apart rearrangement probe fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) technique in the diagnosis of liposarcoma. METHODS: In the study, 62 cases of liposarcoma diagnosed in Peking University First Hospital from January 2015 to December 2019 were analysed for clinicopathological information. Of these 62 cases of liposarcoma, all were analysed for MDM2 amplification and 48 cases were analysed for DDIT3 rearrangement using a FISH technique. Our study aimed to evaluate the status of MDM2 and DDIT3 by FISH in liposarcoma and correlate it with diagnosis of different subtypes of liposarcoma. The subtypes of liposarcoma were classified according to the FISH results, combined with the relevant clinicopathological features. RESULTS: The patients aged 31-89 years (mean: 59 years) with a 1.75:1 male to female ratio. Histologically, there were 20 cases of atypical lipomatous tumour/well-differentiated liposarcoma (ALT/WDLPS), 26 cases of dedifferentiated liposarcoma (DDLPS), 13 myxoid liposarcoma (MLPS) and 3 pleomorphic liposarcoma (PLPS). Tumors with DDLPS (23/26) and WDLPS (8/20) were localized retroperitoneally, while both tumours of MLPS and PLPS were localized extra-retroperitoneally, and the difference of sites among the four subtypes of liposarcoma was statistically significant (P < 0.05). Histologically, varied mucoid matrix could be observed in the four subtypes of liposarcoma, and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). MDM2 gene amplification was demonstrated in all cases of ALT/WDLPS and DDLPS (100%, 20/20 and 26/26 respectively); DDIT3 gene rearrangement was noted only in MLPS (100%, 13/13); most cases of DDLPS (96.2%, 25/26) and ALT/WDLPS (83.3%, 5/6, 6 cases selected for detection) demonstrated the picture of amplification of the DDIT3 telomeric tag. According to the instructions of DDIT3 break-apart rearrangement probe, the 5' telomere probe and 3' centromere probe spanned but did not cover the DDIT3 gene itself, on the contrary, the 5' telomere probe covered the CDK4 gene, while the DDIT3 and CDK4 gene were located adjacent to each other on chromosome, therefore, when the amplification signal appeared on the telomeric tag of the DDIT3 rearrangement probe, it indeed indicated the CDK4 gene amplification rather than the DDIT3 gene rearrangement. Then the 10 cases with DDIT3 telomeric tag amplification were selected for CDK4 and DDIT3 gene amplification probe FISH tests, and all the cases showed CDK4 gene amplification (100%, 10/10) and two of the 10 cases demonstrated co-amplification of CDK4 and DDIT3 (20%, 2/10); DDIT3 polysomy detected by DDIT3 gene rearrangement probe was found in 1 case of DDLPS and 2 cases of PLPS (66.7%, 2/3) with morphology of high-grade malignant tumour and poor prognosis. CONCLUSION Our results indicate that a diagnosis of different subtype liposarcoma could be confirmed based on the application of MDM2 and DDIT3 FISH, combined with clinicopathological findings. It is also noteworthy that atypical signals should be correctly interpreted to guide correct treatment of liposarcomas.
Male ; Female ; Humans ; In Situ Hybridization, Fluorescence/methods* ; Cyclin-Dependent Kinase 4/metabolism* ; Liposarcoma/pathology* ; Lipoma/pathology* ; Gene Amplification ; Transcription Factor CHOP/genetics* ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-mdm2/metabolism*

OBJECTIVE: There is an increasing interest in human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) low expression breast cancer with the result of novel anti-HER2 antibody-drug conjugates for breast cancer. HER2 low expression breast cancer is expected to become a new type of breast cancer. This study analyzed and compared the clinicopathological features and survival data of breast cancer with HER2 low expression group [immunohistochemistry (IHC) 1+ or IHC 2+, and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) negative] and HER2 zero expression group (IHC 0), in order to explore the difference in clinical biology of HER2 low expression breast cancers. METHODS: Among 1 250 female patients with primary non-metastatic breast cancer admitted to the Breast Disease Center of Peking University First Hospital from January 2014 to December 2017, 969 cases were HER2 negative (IHC 0, 1+, 2+, and FISH was not amplified). The clinicopathologic features and prognosis of the patients with HER2 low expression (IHC 1+ or 2+, and unamplified by FISH) and HER2 zero expression (IHC 0) were analyzed. Disease free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) were evaluated, survival rates were calculated by Kaplan-Meier curve, and survival differences were compared by Log-rank test. Cox regression analysis of univariate and multivariate prognostic factors. Bilateral test was used, and P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: In the 969 patients with HER2 negative breast cancer, 606 had HER2 low expression (62.54%) and 363 had HER2 zero expression (37.46%). Compared with breast cancer with HER2 zero expression, those with HER2 low expression had higher N stage (P=0.001) and TNM stage (P=0.044), the proportion of non-specific histological types was higher (82.7% vs. 79.1%, P=0.009), the histological grade was higher (P=0.048), and the positive rate of hormone receptor was higher (83.2% vs. 75.2%, P=0.003). The percentage of Ki-67 value index >30% was lower (30.4% vs. 36.6%, P=0.044). There was no significant difference in DFS and OS between the two groups (P>0.05). In the 969 cases, 777 were hormone receptor positive and 192 were hormone receptor negative (triple negative cancer). Among the 777 cases with hormone receptor positive, 504 (64.9%) were HER2 low expression, and 273 (35.1%) were HER2 zero expression. Compared with breast cancer with HER2 zero expression group, the HER2 low expression group had a younger age (P=0.016), a higher proportion of premenopausal patients (P=0.029), more lymph node involvement (P=0.002), and a higher total TNM stage (P=0.031), and less frequent histological types of lobular and mucinous carcinoma (3.6% vs. 7.3%, 4.8% vs. 10.6%, P=0.001). There was no difference in DFS and OS between HER2 low expression and zero expression (P>0.05). Among 192 patients with hormone receptor negative, there were 102 cases (53.1%) with HER2 low expression and 90 cases (46.9%) with HER2 zero expression. Compared with the HER2 zero expression groups, HER2 low expression group was older (P=0.001), the proportion of premenopausal patients was low (P=0.029), the histological grade was lower (P < 0.001), the Ki-67 value index was lower (P < 0.001), and androgen receptor positive rate was higher (58.8% vs. 34.4%, P < 0.001). DFS was better than HER2 zero expression group (P=0.038), but there was no difference in OS between the two groups (P>0.05). CONCLUSION HER2 low expression breast cancer accounts for about half of all breast cancers, and the incidence is much higher than that of HER2 positive breast cancer. Its clinicopathologic features are heterogeneous, and the status of hormone receptor expression has an impact on the clinical biology of this group.
Humans ; Female ; Breast Neoplasms ; Ki-67 Antigen ; In Situ Hybridization, Fluorescence ; Prognosis ; Hormones

OBJECTIVE: To investigate and summarize the clinicopathological features, immunophenotype, differential diagnosis and prognosis analysis of mucinous tubular and spindle cell carcinoma (MTSCC). METHODS: The data of thirteen cases of MTSCC were retrospectively analyzed, the clinical and pathological characteristics and immunohistochemical expression were summarized, and fluorescence in situ hybridization was detected. RESULTS: Among the thirteen patients, four were males and nine females, with a male-to-female ratio of 1 ∶2.25. The average age was 57.1 years, ranging from 39 to 78 years. The maximum diameter of the tumor was 2-12 cm. All cases had no symptoms, and were accidentally discovered, 3 cases underwent partial renal resection, 10 cases underwent radical renal resection, 9 cases were located in the left kidney, and 4 cases were located in the right kidney. Most of the cases showed the classical morphological changes, with 11 cases of nuclear grading [World Health Organization (WHO)/International Society of Urological Pathology (ISUP) grading system] being G2 and 2 cases being G3. There were 6 cases of stage PT1a, 3 cases of PT1b, 2 cases of PT2a, and 1 case of PT2b and 1 case of PT3a. The positive rates of immunohistochemical staining were: vimentin, AE1/AE3, α-methylacyl-CoA racemase (αMACR) and cytokeratin (CK) 8/18, 100% (13/13); CK7, 92.3% (12/13); epithelial membrane antigen (EMA), 92.3% (12/13); CK20, 46.2% (6/13); CD10, 30.8% (4/13); synaptophysin (Syn), 7.7% (1/13); chromogranin A (CgA), CD57, WT1 and Ki-67, 0 (0/13), and fluorescence in situ hybridization showed that no trisomy of chromosomes 7 and 17 were observed in any of the cases. The follow-up period was 6 months to 7 years and 6 months, 2 cases died after lung metastasis (one with ISUP/WHO grade G3, one with necrosis), and the remaining 11 cases had no recurrence and metastasis. CONCLUSION MTSCC is a unique type of low-grade malignancy kidney tumor, occurs predominantly in females, widely distributed in age, the current treatment method is surgical resection, and cases with necrosis and high-grade morphology are prone to recurrence and metastasis, although most cases have a good prognosis, but they still need close follow-up after surgery.
Humans ; Male ; Female ; Middle Aged ; Kidney Neoplasms/surgery* ; Carcinoma, Renal Cell/diagnosis* ; In Situ Hybridization, Fluorescence ; Retrospective Studies ; Adenocarcinoma, Mucinous/pathology* ; Kidney/pathology* ; Prognosis ; Necrosis

Lamin B1 (LMNB1) is highly expressed in liver cancer tissues, and its influence and mechanism on the proliferation of hepatocellular carcinoma cells were explored by knocking down the expression of the protein. In liver cancer cells, siRNAs were used to knock down LMNB1. Knockdown effects were detected by Western blotting. Changes in telomerase activity were detected by telomeric repeat amplification protocol assay (TRAP) experiments. Telomere length changes were detected by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). CCK8, cloning formation, transwell and wound healing were performed to detect changes in its growth, invasion and migration capabilities. The lentiviral system was used to construct HepG2 cells that steadily knocked down LMNB1. Then the changes of telomere length and telomerase activity were detected, and the cell aging status was detected by SA-β-gal senescence staining. The effects of tumorigenesis were detected by nude mouse subcutaneous tumorigenesis experiments, subsequent histification staining of tumors, SA-β-gal senescence staining, fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) for telomere analysis and other experiments. Finally, the method of biogenesis analysis was used to find the expression of LMNB1 in clinical liver cancer tissues, and its relationship with clinical stages and patient survival. Knockdown of LMNB1 in HepG2 and Hep3B cells significantly reduced telomerase activity, cell proliferation, migration and invasion abilities. Experiments in cells and tumor formation in nude mice had demonstrated that stable knockdown of LMNB1 reduced telomerase activity, shortened telomere length, senesced cells, reduced cell tumorigenicity and KI-67 expression. Bioinformatics analysis showed that LMNB1 was highly expressed in liver cancer tissues and correlated with tumor stage and patient survival. In conclusion, LMNB1 is overexpressed in liver cancer cells, and it is expected to become an indicator for evaluating the clinical prognosis of liver cancer patients and a target for precise treatment.
Animals ; Mice ; Telomerase/metabolism* ; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/genetics* ; Liver Neoplasms/genetics* ; Telomere Shortening ; In Situ Hybridization, Fluorescence ; Mice, Nude ; Telomere/pathology* ; Carcinogenesis

Objective To study the pathological types,expression of mismatch repair protein,human epidermal growth factor receptor 2(HER2),and Pan-TRK,and Epstein-Barr virus(EBV)infection in patients with colorectal cancer resected in Tibet. Methods A total of 79 patients with colorectal cancer resected in Tibet Autonomous Region People's Hospital from December 2013 to July 2021 were enrolled in this study.The clinical and pathological data of the patients were collected.The expression of mismatch repair protein,HER2,and Pan-TRK was detected by immunohistochemical(IHC)staining,and detection of HER2 gene by fluorescence in situ hybridization(FISH)in the patients with HER2 IHC results of 2+ or above.EBV was detected by in situ hybridization with EBV-encoded small RNA. Results A total of 79 colorectal cancer patients were included in this study,with the male-to-female ratio of 1.26:1 and the mean age of(57.06±12.74)years(24-83 years).Among them,4 patients received preoperative neoadjuvant therapy.Colonic cancer and rectal cancer occurred in 57(57/79,72.15%,including 31 and 26 in the right colon and left colon,respectively)and 22(22/79,27.85%)patients,respectively.The maximum diameter of tumor varied within the range of 1-20 cm,with the mean of(6.61±3.33)cm.Among the 79 colorectal cancer patients,75(75/79,94.94%)patients showed adenocarcinoma.Lymph node metastasis occurred in 12(12/21,57.14%)out of the 21 patients with severe tumor budding,13(13/23,56.52%)out of the 23 patients with moderate tumor budding,and 2(2/31,6.45%)out of the 31 patients with mild tumor budding,respectively.The lymph node metastasis rate showed differences between the patients with severe/moderate tumor budding and the patients with mild tumor budding(all P<0.001).The IHC staining showed that mismatch repair protein was negative in 10(10/65,15.38%)patients,including 5 patients with both MSH2 and MSH6 negative,4 patients with both MLH1 and PMS2 negative,and 1 patient with MSH6 negative.Pan-TRK was negative in 65 patients.The IHC results of HER2 showed 0 or 1+ in 60 patients and 2+ in 5 patients.FISH showed no positive signal in the 5 patients with HER2 IHC results of 2+.The detection with EBV-encoded small RNA showed positive result in 1(1/65,1.54%)patient. Conclusions Non-specific adenocarcinoma of the right colon is the most common in the patients with colorectal cancer resected in Tibet,and 15% of the patients showed mismatch repair protein defects.EBV-associated colorectal carcer is rare,Pan-TRK expression and HER2 gene amplification are seldom.The colorectal cancer patients with moderate and severe tumor budding are more likely to have lymph node metastasis.
Adult ; Aged ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Adenocarcinoma ; Biomarkers, Tumor/genetics* ; Colorectal Neoplasms/pathology* ; DNA Mismatch Repair ; DNA-Binding Proteins/genetics* ; Epstein-Barr Virus Infections/diagnosis* ; Herpesvirus 4, Human/metabolism* ; In Situ Hybridization, Fluorescence ; Lymphatic Metastasis ; Tibet ; Young Adult ; Aged, 80 and over

OBJECTIVE: To explore the clinical features and genetic etiology of two children with intellectual developmental disorder and microcephaly with pontine and cerebellar hypoplasia (MICPCH). METHODS: Two children with MICPCH who were presented at the Henan Provincial People's Hospital between April 2019 and December 2021 were selected as the study subjects. Clinical data of the two children were collected, along with peripheral venous blood samples of them and their parents, and amniotic fluid sample of the mother of child 1. Whole exome sequencing (WES), array-comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH) and real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR) were carried out for the children, their parents and the fetus. The pathogenicity of candidate variants were evaluated. RESULTS: Child 1 was a 6-year-old girl featuring motor and language delay, whilst child 2 was a 4.5-year-old girl mainly featuring microcephaly and mental retardation. WES revealed that child 2 has harbored a 158.7 kb duplication in Xp11.4 (chrX: 41446160_41604854), which has encompassed exons 4~14 of the CASK gene. The same duplication was not found in either of her parents. aCGH revealed that child 1 has harbored a 29 kb deletion at Xp11.4 (chrX: 41637892_41666665), which encompassed exon 3 of the CASK gene. The same deletion was not found in either of her parents and the fetus. The above results were confirmed by qPCR assay. Above deletion and duplication were not found in the ExAC, 1000 Genomes and gnomAD databases. Based on the guidelines from the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG), both variants were rated as likely pathogenic (PS2+PM2_Supporting). CONCLUSION The deletion of exon 3 and duplication of exons 4~14 of the CASK gene probably underlay the pathogenesis of MICPCH in these two children, respectively.
Humans ; Child ; Female ; Child, Preschool ; Microcephaly/genetics* ; Developmental Disabilities/genetics* ; Intellectual Disability/complications* ; Comparative Genomic Hybridization ; Mutation

OBJECTIVE: To explore the genetic basis for a Fra(16)(q22)/FRA16B fragile site in a female with secondary infertility. METHODS: The 28-year-old patient was admitted to Chengdu Women's and Children's Central Hospital on October 5, 2021 due to secondary infertility. Peripheral blood sample was collected for G-banded karyotyping analysis, single nucleotide polymorphism array (SNP-array), quantitative fluorescent polymerase chain reaction (QF-PCR) and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) assays. RESULTS: The patient was found to harbor 5 mosaic karyotypes involving chromosome 16 in a total of 126 cells, which yielded a karyotype of mos 46,XX,Fra(16)(q22)[42]/46,XX,del(16)(q22)[4]/47,XX,del(16),+chtb(16)(q22-qter)[4]/46,XX,tr(16)(q22)[2]/46,XX[71]. No obvious abnormality was found by SNP-array, QF-PCR and FISH analysis. CONCLUSION A female patient with FRA16B was identified by genetic testing. Above finding has enabled genetic counseling of this patient.
Female ; Humans ; In Situ Hybridization, Fluorescence ; Chromosome Fragile Sites ; Karyotyping ; Karyotype ; Infertility

OBJECTIVE: To explore the genetic basis for fetus with bilateral lateral ventriculomegaly. METHODS: Fetus umbilical cord blood and peripheral blood samples of its parents were collected. The fetus was subjected to chromosomal karyotyping, whilst the fetus and its parents were subjected to array comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH). The candidate copy number variation (CNV) were verified by qPCR, Application goldeneye DNA identification system was used to confirm the parental relationship. RESULTS: The fetus was found to have a normal karyotype. aCGH analysis indicated that it has carried a 1.16 Mb deletion at 17p13.3, which partially overlapped with the critical region of Miller-Dieker syndrome (MDS), in addition with a 1.33 Mb deletion at 17p12 region, which is associated with hereditary stress-susceptible peripheral neuropathy (HNPP). Its mother was also found to harbor the 1.33 Mb deletion at 17p12. qPCR analysis confirmed that the expression levels of genes from the 17p13.3 and 17p12 regions were about the half of that in the normal control, as well as the maternal peripheral blood sample. Parental relationship was confirmed between the fetus and its parents. Following genetic counseling, the parents has chosen to continue with the pregnancy. CONCLUSION The fetus was diagnosed with Miller-Dieker syndrome due to the de novo deletion at 17p13.3. Ventriculomegaly may be an important indicator for prenatal ultrasonography in fetuses with MDS.
Pregnancy ; Female ; Humans ; Classical Lissencephalies and Subcortical Band Heterotopias ; Comparative Genomic Hybridization ; DNA Copy Number Variations ; Fetus ; Hydrocephalus ; Prenatal Diagnosis ; Chromosome Deletion

OBJECTIVE: To assess the value of chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA) and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) for the prenatal diagnosis of chromosomal mosaicisms. METHODS: A total of 775 pregnant women who had visited the Prenatal Diagnosis Center of Yancheng Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital from January 2018 to December 2020 were selected as study subjects. Chromosome karyotyping analysis and CMA were carried out for all women, and FISH was used to validate the suspected mosaicism cases. RESULTS: Among the 775 amniotic fluid samples, karyotyping has identified 13 mosaicism cases, which yielded a detection rate of 1.55%. Respectively, there were 4, 3, 4 and 2 cases for sex chromosome number mosaicisms, abnormal sex chromosome structure mosaicisms, abnormal autosomal number mosaicisms and abnormal autosomal structure mosaicisms. CMA has only detected only 6 of the 13 cases. Among 3 cases verified by FISH, 2 cases were consistent with the karyotyping and CMA results, and clearly showed low proportion mosaicism, and 1 case was consistent with the result of karyotyping but with a normal result by CMA. Eight pregnant women had chosen to terminate the pregnancy (5 with sex chromosome mosaicisms and 3 with autosomal mosaicisms). CONCLUSION For fetuses suspected for chromosomal mosaicisms, CMA, FISH and G-banding karyotyping should be combined to determine the type and proportion of mosaicisms more precisely in order to provide more information for genetic counseling.
Female ; Pregnancy ; Humans ; Mosaicism ; In Situ Hybridization, Fluorescence ; Chromosome Disorders/genetics* ; Prenatal Diagnosis/methods* ; Chromosome Aberrations ; Sex Chromosome Aberrations ; Microarray Analysis/methods* ; Chromosomes